Biopesticides — harmonization of registration requirements within EU Directive 91/414 — an industry view1

Abstract

A range of biopesticides (including, as active substances, bacteria, viruses, fungi, nematodes, protozoa and beneficial insects) is now commercially available for control of insect pests, fungal and bacterial diseases and weeds. The term biopesticide can include pheromones, insect and plant growth regulators, plant extracts, transgenic plants and macroorganisms as well as microorganisms. However, world biopesticide sales in 1990 were estimated to be 120 million USD, representing less than 0.5% of the world's agrochemical market. Out of this, approximately 90% of the biopesticide sales are represented by the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis for the control of insect pests. Nevertheless, biopesticide sales are estimated to be increasing at 10–25% per annum and sales by the year 2000 are estimated to reach 1000 million USD. This paper looks at the current commercial status and the constraints that are facing industry concerning changing registration, particularly in Europe, the absence of harmonized data requirements, and the increasing costs and delays in registrations that deter the development of new biopesticides.